When Briana Taylor (pictured) started volunteering at Reynella Neighbourhood Centre in February 2021, she was simply looking for a way to give back to the community while getting out of the house.
As part of the centre's weekly Play Space playgroup, she helps to plan, set up and pack up children's toys and fun activities, and keeps an eye on kids and caregivers in case anyone needs a helping hand.
Now a crucial part of her weekly routine alongside university studies, Briana couldn't imagine life without it—a sentiment shared by countless residents who visit the City of Onkaparinga's community centres each year.
"The thing I love most is the community atmosphere and how the staff and volunteers make it feel like a second home and family for those of us who need a little extra support," she says.
"It feels like a welcoming and comforting environment when I need a place to… well, feel safe."
Briana says her other favourite things about volunteering at the centre are watching the kids learn and grow and seeing the regular visitors who add to the centre's atmosphere.
"Volunteering has helped build my confidence and interpersonal communication skills," she says.
"I understand my place in the community better and feel I’m making a worthwhile contribution.
"The centre radiates support and positivity; it’s always a hive of activity and gives people a place to go when looking for something to do.
"Programs like the playgroup provide a safe place for young families to meet like-minded people and get support for things they might be struggling with."
Reynella Neighbourhood Centre is one of nine City of Onkaparinga-owned or supported community centres, alongside two positive ageing centres, across the region, providing life-changing activities and programs that often can't be found anywhere else (examples below). These are in addition to council's partnership with Junction Australia at Hackham Community Centre.
Activities and programs are often free or low-cost to support the most vulnerable, and the centres are open to everyone, helping people learn new skills, meet new friends, gain confidence or strength, and explore volunteering opportunities.
Collectively, Onkaparinga's community centres and their more than 650 programs attracted more than 200,000 visits in 2021-22, underscoring their importance to residents from all walks of life.
The City of Onkaparinga is eagerly awaiting the outcome of its recent state government funding application to maintain current funding levels for community centres, so their much-valued services can continue.
Check out some examples of the programs and activities on offer and visit the community centres' websites for more information, contact info and volunteering opportunities.
Aberfoyle Community Centre
New skills: Enjoy line dancing, sewing and quilting, English literacy and support, and photography
Meet new friends: Sing and laugh together at Singing for Fun sessions
Gain confidence and strength: Get fit at active bodies circuit training, gentle exercise, chair stretch and flow, and Tai Chi sessions
More information
Aldinga Community Centre
New skills: Try your hand at pottery, gardening, woodworking, line dancing, community fibre art or ukulele
Meet new friends: Join chat and tunes sessions, enjoy board and card games or a delicious two-course Friday lunch, or take the kids to playgroup in the garden
Gain confidence and strength: Get fit with low-impact strength and toning sessions
More information
Christie Downs Community House
New skills: Enrol in English as a Second Language training, or improve your work and employment skills
Meet new friends: Enjoy low-cost Lunch with Friends on Mondays or enrol your child in the award-winning PALS Kids Group
Gain confidence and strength: Join a Tai Chi session, Parkinson's exercise group, or stretch and relaxation class
More information
Coromandel Community Centre
New skills: Join an Art for Adults session with an experienced artist/teacher, or a #Art session for children
Meet new friends: Talk books at the Coro Connections Book Club, meet other mums and dads at Baby Sensory sessions, get out and about with a CoroAlive! Social Group excursion and lunch, play bridge or mahjong, or enjoy a men's breakfast
Gain confidence and strength: Join a Zumba or POUND group fitness class, or a Strength for Life session for those aged 50+
More information
Hackham West Community Centre
New skills: Enrol in an Adult Community Education (ACE) program, join the Southern Minya Ball basketball program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, or get crafty with the Creative Crafters group
Meet new friends: Take the kids to the Happy Hearts Playgroup, have lunch and good times with the Sliver Citz Over 50s social group, enjoy a meal with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with Families Together
Gain confidence and strength: Enjoy weekly senior fitness classes, build resilience with the Families 4 Families peer support group to assist people with acquired brain injuries, get support with Narcotics Anonymous
More information
Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre
New skills: Join a Come and Try Introduction to Kaurna Language Course
Meet new friends: Join the Women's Yarnin Circle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families or the Southern Nunga men's group
Gain confidence and strength: Join a cultural health and wellbeing workshop, or a youth mentoring and wellbeing intervention program
More information
Reynella Neighbourhood Centre
New skills: Get help with your tech devices, receive English and literacy support, learn to do arts and crafts, join the Stepz Dance Academy or try belly dancing
Meet new friends: Enjoy popular Devonshire tea events, join the senior's group, partake in Singing for Fun, join the hobby group, men's group or Ladies Together coffee and craft, or take the kids to the Play Space playgroup
Gain confidence and strength: Sign up for the strength and fitness group, Tai Chi, or join a Zumba class
More information
Seaford Community Centre
New skills: Join an art for fun session, build your skills for work or study with adult community education, or take the perfect shot with the Camera Club
Meet new friends: Join the gardening group, walking group, book club, men's breakfast, Seaford seniors social club, playgroup for 0-5 year olds, or Seaford hangout for 12-17 year olds
Gain confidence and strength: Enjoy Tai Chi, line dancing, Zumba, senior fitness or mindful meditation
More information
Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre
New skills: Improve your English skills, learn to do leatherwork, craft or karate, join the Woodcroft Writers group, or book the kids into Little Picassos art classes
Meet new friends: Book the kids into playgroup, enjoy a monthly community breakfast or weekly lunch, play canasta, or join the gardening group
Gain confidence and strength: Enjoy yoga and meditation, improve your mental health with the Fresh Start program, or join the Shedtastics singing group for adults with an Acquired Brain Injury
More information